On a collegiate soccer team, it is not uncommon to see people from all around the globe fill out a team. ASU's roster features 11 international players, with players coming from places such as Canada, Japan and many more.
Two English players, junior forward Nicole Douglas and freshman defender Lucy Johnson, have formed a strong friendship and connection at ASU, and it is already paying off both on and off the field.
While two years and a two-hour drive apart, Johnson and Douglas never played with or against each other in England. However, that didn't stop the two from instantly forming a friendship when Johnson arrived on campus in January for her freshman season.
Douglas said she felt as if she had known Johnson "for years," and Johnson described Douglas as "almost like a big, annoying sister in the best possible way."
"We just love each other on and off the pitch," Johnson said.
Each player has experience with professional clubs in England, with Douglas spending time with the Chelsea Ladies Football Club and Johnson playing with Leicester City WFC. Both players have also spent time on the English youth team.
Douglas said they grew up playing in similar systems in their youth academies and national teams under some of the same coaches.Those similarities have already benefitted the two players, who have already noticed the way the other plays on the pitch just four games into the season.
"We both have similar thought processes during the game," Douglas said. "It's that type of connection because we are so used to playing a certain style back in England."
In addition to both players being from England, head coach Graham Winkworth is from Reading, England, forming a unique bond between the three.
"Before they're good soccer players, they're both enjoyable people to be around," Winkworth said of Douglas and Johnson.
Winkworth said he gets along with the two very well and feels comfortable "ripping them." While it may seem harsh, he explains it is a way of showing that he cares about them, trusts them and wants them to succeed.
"The day that I stop making fun of Johno and Dougie is the day they should start worrying," Winkworth said while laughing with Johnson. "They know I care about them and value them highly."
Both players have started the 2021 season very well through four games, with Douglas recording five goals and two assists and Johnson notching two assists, including one on Douglas' first goal of the season.
ASU is reaping the benefits of strong play from not only those two players but across the board, starting the season 4-0-0 for the second consecutive season.
ASU is now preparing for conference play and will kick off against USC in Tempe on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. MST.
Reach the reporter at dmwilhe1@asu.edu and follow @dmwilhelm225 on Twitter.
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